Funeral set for Ohio girl and her mom after fire, stabbing

November 24, 2018

MAYFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio (AP) — A funeral is planned Monday for an 8-year-old girl who died after a suburban Cleveland house fire, and for her mother, who authorities say was stabbed before the blaze was set.

The deaths of 41-year-old Rebecca Pletnewski and her daughter, Olivia Schneider, have been ruled homicides.

Authorities say Pletnewski was found dead in the Mayfield Heights home, and her daughter died at hospital from smoke inhalation.

Fire officials have said a K-9 detected possible accelerants at the home after the blaze last Tuesday. They believe it started in the living room.

A $5,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever was responsible.

The state fire marshal’s office and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation are helping with the case.